You should take a chlamydia test if you:

• think you may be infected because you have symptoms or a sexual partner has told you they have tested positive for chlamydia
• have had unprotected sex with a new or casual sexual partner

Anyone sexually active should get tested at least once a year or every 3 months if you change partners frequently.

You'll need to wait 2 weeks before testing for chlamydia after you have had unprotected sex for accurate results.

Anyone who is sexually active should take a chlamydia test regularly for chlamydia and other STIs. Ideally, you should take a test every time you change partners or at least once a year. You should also take a chlamydia test if:

• you or your partner have any chlamydia symptoms
• you have had unprotected sex
• you have recently changed sexual partners
• you or your partner have had unprotected sex outside of your relationship
• you think you may have an STI
• a condom broke while you were having sex
• a sexual partner has told you they have tested positive for chlamydia
• you are or thinking of getting pregnant

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

At least 70% of women and 50% of men do not get any chlamydia symptoms which is why it is important to get regularly tested.

Symptoms in women include:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• a burning sensation when going for a pee
• bleeding after sex or between periods
• lower tummy pain

Symptoms in men include:

• white, cloudy, or watery discharge from the tip of the penis
• burning or itching around your testicles or penis
• swollen or painful testicles
• a burning sensation when going for a pee

How do you get chlamydia?

Chlamydia is typically spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who is infected.

You can also get chlamydia from:

• sharing unwashed sex toys that aren’t covered with a condom every time they are used
• getting infected semen or vaginal fluid in your eye

Chlamydia can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth if she is not treated. If this happens, the baby can get an infection in their eyes (conjunctivitis) or lungs (pneumonia).

The chlamydia test for men and women is different because you’ll need to collect a different sample. It is important to read the instructions provided with the test kit fully before collecting your sample.

Chlamydia test for women

Chlamydia testing in women requires a vaginal swab which is collected using a small cotton swab.

To collect your sample for analysis you need to:

1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
2. Unpack your test kit on a clean surface, ideally in a bathroom.
3. Remove the swab from its protective packaging, being careful not to touch the tip or place it down on any surface.
4. Carefully insert the swab about half a finger’s length into your vagina.
5. Rotate the swab around the inside of the vagina for 10 to 15 seconds.
6. Carefully remove it and place the swab in the collection tube provided and close it securely.
7. Wash your hands thoroughly before attaching the label with your details on the tube.
8. Place and seal in the prepaid envelope.
9. Post your sample in any UK post box as soon as possible to avoid delays and provide you with accurate results.

Chlamydia test for men

For men, chlamydia is tested using a pee sample, preferably from the first time you pee that day.

To collect your sample, you’ll need to:

1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
2. Unpack the test kit on a clean surface, ideally in a bathroom with access to a toilet.
3. Remove the cap from the sample bottle and stand it on a nearby surface.
4. Pee into the small sample bottle.
5. Tightly secure the cap.
6. Place the smaller bottle into the larger bottle, along with the absorbent paper.
7. Wash your hands before attaching the label with your details to the bottle.
8. Place and seal in the prepaid envelope.
9. Post your sample in any UK post box as soon as possible to avoid delays and provide you with accurate results.

How accurate is an at-home chlamydia test?

Clinical studies have shown that home test kits are equally as accurate as those conducted by a nurse or doctor. So, if you would prefer to collect your own sample, in your own home, an at-home test kit may be right for you.

There are things you can do to ensure the accuracy of your test result, such as:

• swabbing for the correct amount of time if you are using a swab test kit
• catching the first flow of urine, usually from your first pee of the day, if you’re using a urine test kit
• waiting 2 weeks between the last time you had unprotected sex and providing your sample

No STI test is 100% accurate but following the instructions correctly can help you get the most accurate results.

Once our partner laboratory has received your sample, you can expect to receive your results within 72 hours via your Superdrug Online Doctor account. We will never email or text you your results.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means that at the time of testing, there was no chlamydia infection found in your sample.

You will not need a follow-up test. However, if you develop any symptoms or you have unprotected sex again, you will need to do another test.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means that you have chlamydia and you will need treatment.

One of our doctors will contact you via your account and advise on what you need to do next.

Doxycycline is the first-line treatment for chlamydia. It is an antibiotic that doctors usually prescribe for 7 days.

Doxycycline works by stopping the bacteria that causes the chlamydia infection from making proteins it needs to survive and multiply. By stopping the production of these proteins, doxycycline kills the bacteria causing the infection.

You can request chlamydia treatment from Superdrug Online Doctor by completing a short online health questionnaire for one of our doctors to review. If you have received a positive chlamydia test from one of our tests, a doctor will be in touch explaining what you need to do next.

As well as purchasing an at-home chlamydia test kit from Superdrug Online Doctor, you may also get a chlamydia test from:

• your local pharmacy
• a GP surgery
• a sexual health clinic

Can you get free chlamydia testing?

Yes, you can access free chlamydia testing at your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic, also known as a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. You’ll need to make an appointment to get a chlamydia test from these services.

Can I order a chlamydia test online?

Yes, you can buy a chlamydia test from Superdrug Online Doctor. To request an at-home chlamydia test from Superdrug Online Doctor, you will need to:

1. Fill out a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire.
2. Order your preferred test kit and make payment.
3. Wait for one of our doctors to review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. Receive your test kit by post to your address or collect it at your local Superdrug Pharmacy if approved, or receive alternative options via your account from one of our doctors

Does the chlamydia test check for gonorrhoea?

No, the chlamydia test does not check for gonorrhoea. If you want to test for both STIs at the same time you’ll need to request the genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea test kit.

Alternatively, you may prefer the following STI test kits:

• oral chlamydia and gonorrhoea test
• rectal chlamydia and gonorrhoea test
• extended STI test

How long does it take for chlamydia to show up on the test?

It can take 2 weeks for the chlamydia to show up in your sample after unprotected sex, so that’s the time you need to wait before testing.

How do you test for oral chlamydia?

You can use the oral chlamydia and gonorrhoea test kit to test for an oral chlamydia infection. You’ll need to provide an oral sample using the cotton swab provided and follow the instructions enclosed in the kit. Once our partner lab has received your sample, you should get your results within 72 hours via your account.

How long will I test positive for chlamydia after treatment?

You can still test positive for chlamydia up to 6 weeks after your treatment. It is recommended that you test again 3 months after your treatment has finished to make sure the infection has gone away. It is important that you don’t test too early as this could give you a false-positive result.

Can I take a chlamydia test if I am pregnant?

Yes, you can take a chlamydia test if you are pregnant. It is the same as the chlamydia test used if you are not pregnant.

Can I take a chlamydia swab test while I am on my period?

Yes, you can take a chlamydia test during your period. Your flow will not affect your result, but it may make it a little more difficult to collect the sample.

Can a UTI cause a false positive test for chlamydia?

Yes, urine tests using the Chlamydiazyme system can cause a false positive test for chlamydia. However, it is important to give your doctor as much information as possible about your sexual health, so they can provide the right test for you.

Can you have chlamydia and test negative?

Yes, you can have chlamydia and test negative. This is known as a false negative result and usually happens if you take the test too early after being infected. It is important to wait 2 weeks to test after unprotected sex, to get the most accurate test result.